The project ‘Introduction, innovation and integrated exhibition of the key technique of molecule-based alert for explosive epidemic in aquaculture’, led by Dr Zhou Zhigang, Professor at the Feed Research Institute (FRI) of Chinese Academy of Agriculture (CAAS), passed appraisal by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) on March 25.

According to Dr. Zhou, three pieces of advanced technology were introduced from abroad: 1) high throughout AHL extraction technology; 2) highly sensitive AHL detection technology; and 3) fast evaluation model for fish intestine damage. And a simple virulence grading standard as well as a localized alert model and system draft based on quorum sensing signal molecules of pathogens were created for explosive epidemic in aquaculture, and a molecule-based alert technique for explosive epidemic in aquaculture was established which is suitable for our country.

This technique has been applied in main freshwater aquaculture in seven different provinces, in a total area of about 100,000 Mu, leading to 80% reduction in mortality, 15% improvement of aquaculture profitability and 50% increase in the amount of safe aquaculture products.

FRI researchers have declared for more than 10 national patents and 8 were authorized.